sos

1 of 2

less common plural of of sol entry 1

SOS

2 of 2

noun

ˌes-(ˌ)ō-ˈes 

1

: an internationally recognized signal of distress in radio code ‧ ‧ ‧ - - - ‧ ‧ ‧ used especially by ships calling for help

2

: a call or request for help or rescue

Examples of sos in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

That includes a one-touch SOS, and creating and joining groups. — New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026

One of my favorite features of this little tracker is the SOS capability. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026

Themes are The Infected, Witch Trials of 1692, Mitos y Leyendas (Myths and Legends), Dead End and — for guests 18 and older only — The SOS House. — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026

Photos from the reptile’s rescue show a Wildlife SOS rescuer showing off the large snake before moving it away from the property. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sos

• bless
• chess
• cress
• dress
• es
• ess
• esse
• fess
• guess
• jess
• less
• lesse

Kids Definition

SOS

noun

ˌes-(ˌ)ō-ˈes 

ˌes-ə-ˈwes

1

: an international radio code distress signal used by ships and aircraft calling for help

2

: a call for help

Medical Definition

SOS

abbreviation

if occasion require; if necessary

—used in writing prescriptions

Etymology

Abbreviation

Latin si opus sit